How to Fix a Broken Moon Roof of a Car in Texas

Posted on | 14 Mar 2017 By Anita Gaal

In recent years, Texas is becoming even more developed as far as population and city living are concerned. This is partly due to the beautiful weather, and sometimes it can even get a little hot—temperatures breaking one hundred degrees are not uncommon. For those of us that love to drive down the highway with our windows down, taking in the gorgeous surroundings and beauty of Texas may very well have been the reason for moving there in the first place—it may even be the reason why you specifically purchased a car with a moon roof. However, when your awesome moon roof dies out on you, your leisurely days of enjoying the beautiful Texas weather may seem over with. Luckily, this does not have to be the end of your moon roof—fixing a broken moon roof may be simpler than you think. If you are unable to fix it yourself, then you should find qualified professionals who specialize in window repairs and can help you get your days of highway glory back. Here are a few possible reasons why your moon roof may be broken, and some suggestions on how to fix it.

Check whether moon roof is completely broken or not

You roll down your windows, and are ready to breathe in the fresh air and feel the warm sun on your shoulders as soon as you open your moon roof. You push the button, and to your dismay, all you hear is a sad sound indicating that your moon roof is broken. Before jumping to conclusions, it is entirely possible that the moon roof is not completely broken, but only stuck. Prepare yourself for a little bit of labor, and if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, rightfully so. So look into asking a professional to check it out for you.

D-I-Y Tips

The first thing you will want to do is evacuate the glass portion of the roof. You will need a screwdriver to take out the screws that are holding the glass. Once the glass is removed, you should put it on a cushioned area, being careful not to scratch or break it. With the help of a flashlight, take a closer look at the inner structures of the moon roof—do you see any broken pieces or anything impeding the movement of the gears inside? You can double check by messing around with the moon roof button to see if anything is not working properly. A can of dust-off is helpful to spray out any dust or debris.

Take professional help, if you’re unsure

In the worst-case scenario, the motor in your moon roof may be broken; this is why it is important to first exhaust all other possible options. If you are unsure of whether or not it is the motor that is broken, you should take your car to a repair shop that can perform a diagnostic and help assess the situation; but keep in mind that each attempt to fix the problem yourself could only add to your expenses. It is important to know whether or not it is simply an issue of debris or grease buildup, or if the issue is bigger—like a motor malfunction. Luckily, the occurrence of motors in moon roofs completely failing is infrequent, unless you are really getting the most use out of your moon roof, everyday, or your kids got ahold of the button, pressing it until its death.

Find an exact replacement motor

Motors for moon roofs are relatively inexpensive on their own and are usually within the range of a few hundred dollars. What becomes more costly is the act of replacing it. If you are feeling adventurous and decide to replace it yourself, you will save the most money. However, depending on the model and year of your car and what shop you decide to take it to, this simple repair can become a larger expense than initially imagined. If your motor truly is broken, it is best to order the part on your own, and give it a try—you may be surprised at your ability to replace the motor on your own. Although, it is important to keep in mind that not all moon roofs are created equally. Finding an exact replacement motor for your moon roof is ideal—finding the serial number and brand will help you find an identical match. By bringing your car to a local shop in Dallas, you can get some much-needed information and help with your broken moon roof.